Friday, May 8, 2009

More often than not, I'm a bit bored by Ballard Designs. It's like the home decor equivalent of The Gap: Lots of nice basics in a multitude of pleasant (but rarely show-stopping) colors. And yet, much like The Gap, almost every season they come out with one or two pieces that are really spot-on and even a little bit special. From their summer collection, I love their new Quatrefoil headboard. It's good classic design, but the quatrefoil motif and nailhead trim are both experiencing "a moment", so this piece is both timeless and very "now". I also think this headboard is priced well, ranging from $449 to $887, depending on size and fabric choice.

As with all Ballard Design upholstered pieces, the headboard comes in an array of pre-selected fabrics or, you can even send in your own fabric for a truly customized look. I would go with a solid color, to really let the quatrefoil cut-out and nailhead trim stand out, but the one thing I'm torn on is whether or not it'd look better in a neutral linen (like the Danish linen pictured first) or in a bold jewel tone (like the paprika linen). With the first, I could see it in a calm, beachy bedroom, full of bleached-out wood, luxurious white linens and accents of blue and green sea glass. On the other hand, the bolder paprika color would really pop against white walls and would put the focus squarely on the cut-out. I'd pair the orange with lots of white and navy, which would provide amble contrast, but not be too loud for a bedroom.

Diggin' it! Noticed your bio, and imagine we might know a few of the same people. My hubby and I graduated from STCL, and my brother & sister-in-law practiced (as ADA's) in H-town up until about two years ago.

Wow I just clicked on that link and I LOVE all the color choices. I'm pretty sure that I would have to pick one of the patterns or stripes...there are just too many to choose from though! Love these all so much!

Christy: Ballard has TONS of fabric options for most of their upholstered pieces. I bought two of their x benches and had them upholstered in chocolate brown suede and was really impressed with the quality and the service. Next time you're in the market for some quality upholstery pieces, I'd definitely keep them in mind!

I like the bold idea, but dislike "paprika." It makes me think of Katie Troutman and inquisition, and despite my orientation, that's just weird ;). In seriousness, I'd go with a bold red - cranberry, maybe? Several pairing choices, but not so orangey. Of course, I am prejudiced against the color orange, in general, so it may just be me.